THOUSANDS PLANTED

Evening Post, Volume CXXII, Issue 31, 5 August 1936, Page 13

THOUSANDS PLANTED

ENTHUSIASTIC OBSERVANCE

VICEREGAL SHARE

One of the most.pleasing features of Arbor Day celebrations on this occasion was the extent to which children, obviously interested, tools part in. the plantings. Thousands or trees were put in today; and it only needs similar activity on succeeding Aroor Days for the shores of the harbour and all other suitable positions in the city and its surroundings to ensure a. complete change in the drab aspect of Wellington's promontories and hillsides. Schools planted vigorously everywhere today, and there were two outstanding functions, one at the Marine Drive at Miramar, where Lady Galway and her family each planted trees, and at the National Group, where his Excellency the Governor-General, Lord Galway, and her Excellency planted the first two trees. The few trees already in position on the terraced approach to the group show what a fine effect the green turf and trees will give when all is ship-shape: ON MARINE DRIVE. The most important ceremony this morning -was on the Marine Drive, where it commences to pass round Point Halswell towards the Massey Memorial. The strong wind was cold. The rough hillside was occupied by the boys of Rongotai College, while down below, on the road, on the grass at the roadside, and partly up the hili, were the boys and girls of Miramar Central, Seatoun, Worser Bay, and other schools in the district, with a few enthusiasts of the general public. The Mayor (Mr. T. C. A. Hislop), on behali of the Beautifying Society, expressed thanks to her Excellency, Lady Galway, and her family, for coming to help in starting the society's planting on Arbor Day. When they had planted their trees each of the boys and girls assembled would plant one, and it was hoped that within a few days there would be no fewer than 4000 trees planted between this commencing spot and the end of the road. This effort was due to the work of the Beautifying Society, and the way in which it had interested the schools, the authorities, and the reserves department. "I am looking forward to the moment when I can put my hat upon my rather cold head," said Mr. Hislop before concluding by thanking those present for their attendance and interest. He apologised for the absence of the Hon. W. E. Parry, Minister of Internal Affairs, who took a deep interest in the work of the society,1 and welcomed Mrs. R. Semple, who would take part in the ceremony. Lady Galway took a serviceable spade from the Director of Parks and Reserves, who superintended the plantings, and, in a workmanlike manner, planted a broadleaf (Griselina littoralis which, in this rather bleak spot, should do well. The Hon. Mary Monckton, the Hon. Cecilia Monckton, the Hon. Isabel Monckton, and the Hon. Simon Monckton-Arundell, followed with pohutukawas. The Mayor and others then planted trees. v Captain S. Holm, the president of the society .thanked her Excellenc;,' and her children for their support. There were, he estimated, 300 children, boys and girls, present, and the number of trees and holes ready for them would allow them about a tree each. There were nearly as many spades of all sizes present as there were children, and the bleak weather encouraged action, as soon' as Mrs. Knox Gilmer had addressed the children and put them to work, so that the plantings progressed merrily. SYMBOLIC PLANTING. The most. Impressive ceremony today is in progress this afternoon at the National Group, where their Excellencies are being welcomed in the lecture hall by the trustees of this national institution. Following the indoor ceremony, frees will be planted by the Governor-General and Lady Galway, the Mayor and Mrs. Hislop, the Minister of Internal Affairs, Hon. W. E. Parry, Mr. G. A. Troup, representing the Art Gallery and Dominion Museum trustees, Mr. J. A. Campbell, representing the New Zealand Institute of Horticulture, Mrs. Knox Gilmer, representing the Wellington , Horticultural Society, and Captain S. Holm, representing the Wellington Beautifying Society. SCHOOL CEREMONIES. Trees in memory of past headmasters and well-known residents were planted by scholars of the Wadestown School. Eight junior members of the Wellington Beautifying Society, who are scholars of : the school also planted trees, and a short address was given by Mr. R. A. Wright, M.P. As part of an extensive beautifying scheme, the Miramar'South School held an- Arbor Day ceremonial planting this morning. Mrs. Knox Gilmer addressed tne gathering prior to the planting of trees. . Mrs. Kiibx Gilmer Mrs. Semple,\ Mrs. Bean (ChristchurcH), members of the school committee, the headmaster, two ladies representing the parents, arid some of the 'scholars themselves took part in the actual'planting.